I made this tool to install slotted drive thread inserts. This is for when you want to run them upside down for a cleaner install, and to recess them. The alloy DOM tube is turned down to fit the tapped hole. Drive them in, and simply loosen…
Ron Flood Cedar Machine North Branch, MN
This is an easy way to align a pulley or sprocket, when drilling and tapping for a set screw on the key. Suspend the pulley (or sprocket) on a length of key stock, supported and by vise jaws. Tighten the vise to secure the pulley. Center over the…
Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc Cleburne, TX
When using a wiggler to center a mill spindle on a center punch mark or layout lines, many machinists use a pencil to push on the wiggler's pointer, until it runs true. However, risk of injury occurs when the pointer is pushed a tiny bit too far, and…
Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc Cleburne, TX
We can all relate to trying to remove a nut that is well bonded to a stud. You have heated the nut to glowing red hot and it will move, but it is snapping, and you know you’re going to break the stud. What do you use for…
Peter vanSneidern Kidder Mtn Restoration Temple, NH
CNC FEED & FEED CHART Shops with CNC mills often need to do a "quick" task, such as drilling a few holes, or taking a cut along one axis, etc. this tip discusses 3 methods to do so. Most machines have a pendant or hand wheels the operator can use…
Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc Joshua, TX
Removing broken bolts and studs can be surprisingly easy. First clean the area, then you heat up the broken bolt or stud. Let it cool for 5 minutes. Put a candle or paraffin wax on the broken bolt or stud. Let it sit for another 15…
Ron Blades RPM Machine Tulare, CA
Let's say you need to repair damaged threads on the impeller end of a pump or turbo shaft, which is recessed in the housing, and maybe even mushroomed by a hammer-happy tech. You cannot remove the shaft from the housing because of the mushroomed end or…
Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc. Joshua, TX
Regardless of the material, after some time, humidity takes its toll, and many rods end up being trashed. Especially susceptible are aluminum, magnesium, and chrome moly. I keep my rods in hermetically sealed homemade tubes of plastic plumbing pieces. Archie Frangoudis Archie’s Racing Service Merrimack, NH MAY,…
Archie Frangoudis Archie’s Racing Service Merrimack, NH
Lifting heavy objects is an everyday occurrence in machine shops. To prevent injury, it’s a good idea to install small, inexpensive wire cable hoists over equipment that can hold castings in place while mounting to machinery. Small hoists that lift a few hundred pounds are perfect for…
Steve Rich Don Gross/Sterling Bearing, Inc. N. Kansas City, MO
When port matching intake manifolds, I make some different shaped "Reverse Scribes" to get in and scribe mark the dye on the intake manifold flange side. It works great, is often easier than marking and transferring an intake gasket pattern, as this gives you a real time…
Ron Flood Cedar Machine North Branch, MN